Theresa “Arlene” (Hayes) Connelly

Theresa “Arlene” (Hayes) Connelly, of Waltham, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She was 87.

Born in Waltham on October 12, 1938, Arlene was the daughter of the late Henry J. and Rose M. (Vienneau) Hayes. A graduate of St. Mary’s High School, she worked during high school at the Waltham Supermarket and Grover Cronin’s before beginning her career at Raytheon as a clerk in the accounting department. She left that position to devote herself fully to raising her eight children, a role she embraced with extraordinary love, dedication, and grace.

Arlene met her husband, Donald A. Connelly, through Legion of Mary events at St. Mary’s Church and while both worked at Raytheon. Their first date was roller skating at the WAL-LEX, and they were married on February 11, 1961 in St. Mary’s Church. The couple were lifelong Waltham residents where they raised their family.

Arlene was artistic and loved to draw; her children vividly remember the portraits she created of them. An avid reader, she especially enjoyed history, biographies (particularly about Harry Truman), the Bible, and books on geography. She also loved classic black-and-white movies, especially those directed by Hitchcock, and was even named after the movie star Arlene Dahl. She and Don shared a great love of dancing, whether at weddings and family events, practicing in their living room, or square dancing with the Waltham Twirlers. One of her greatest joys was taking her children on day trips to places like Nantasket Beach, the Swan Boats in Boston, and visiting relatives in Lowell, creating cherished family memories.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Don, who passed away in 2008 after 47 years of marriage, as well as by her brothers Harry Hayes and Raymond Hayes, and her sister June Cannistraro.

Arlene leaves her children, Janice Connelly of Waltham, Barbara Arsenault (Chris) of Billerica, Diane Kinton (Peter) of Woburn, John Connelly of Waltham, Joseph Connelly (Janet) of Rockland, Jane Morway (Richard) of Windham, New Hampshire, Ann Duggan (Thomas) of Andover, and Stephen Connelly (Julie) of Auburn; her grandchildren, David Arsenault (Chrissy), Barbara French (Jesse), Ann Schaefer (Chris), James Arsenault, Michael Arsenault (Saoirse Gillespie), Liam Connelly, Rorey Connelly, Paige Connelly, Jessie Connelly, Ella Connelly, Lilianna Connelly, and Samuel Connelly; her brother David Hayes of New Hampshire; her sister-in-law Stephanie Hayes and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends will honor and remember Arlene’s life by gathering for an Evening Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.